Below you will find the process when you’re charged with a crime. Every case is a little different, so this is a general guide.

1. First, the police investigate. They may or may not tell you they’re investigating you. If you find out you’re under investigation, you might want to talk to a lawyer for advice.
2. You are charged. That means either the police arrest you, or you receive a notice telling you you’ve been charged and must go to court.
3. You get a court date. The notice will say when you must appear in court.
4. At the time you are charged (or arrested), you are told your rights, including the right to a lawyer. It’s strongly recommended that you get legal advice.
5. If you are arrested and kept in custody (jail), you will have a bail hearing within about 24 hours. This is where a judge decides if you can be released from jail while you wait for your trial. If bail is denied, you stay in custody.
6. After the charge, the Crown (prosecution) will give you disclosure, meaning copies of the evidence or information they have against you.
7. Then the trial takes place. At the end of the trial, the judge (or sometimes a jury) will decide whether you are guilty or not guilty.
8. If you are found not guilty, you are free to go.
9. If you are found guilty, the next step is sentencing. The court now decides your sentence. Often, the sentence decision happens right away or at a separate hearing soon after.
10. If you don’t agree with the guilty verdict or the sentence, you may have the right to appeal. That means asking a higher court to review the decision.